1979 Trans-Am Restoration - South Africa (Reboot)

[DeVilliers]

Morning all,

So since the forum crashed, I was hoping that my old thread would be revived, but alas..........

I'll post up some quick pics from the past till now.

This is what I started off with back in 2016.
DSC_0471_zpsydccxdss by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

This is the look I'm going for.
2019-02-21_07-46-14 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

[DeVilliers]

It was torn apart in September 2016

DSC_1015_zpsktetcgqc by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
DSC_1010_zpsffp1k17l by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
IMG_2234_exported_1514606658_zps3lvxryth by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
DSC_1038_zps8feoedty by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
IMG_2225_exported_1093803188_zps2syzgvki by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
IMG_2290_zpsmywro9mx by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

[DeVilliers]

Then repairs began
Those that remember the old thread will know I had a lot of issues during this stage of the resto. I can't even remember all of it, so I'm not going to try and type it all up.
Here is some of the work

IMG_6258_zpszjt0a3ts by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
DSC_1275_zps8zjcoqmr by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
IMG_6262_zpsjfkkicwx by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
IMG_3907_zpseke90gjq by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
IMG_3899_zpsjfx2nrmx by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
IMG_3897_zpsq2qektej by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
IMG_3888_zpstduuwacr by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
IMG_3473_zpssgqfgw1g by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
IMG_3472_zpsvwgoa2xn by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
IMG_3893_zpsd8c5c7iq by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

[DeVilliers]

In the meantime I had rebuilt the engine and gearbox myself.
I also had to get a new front and rear bumper made is fibreglass. This caused endless delays and empty promises.

IMG-20190128-WA0003 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
IMG-20190128-WA0005 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
DSC_1576 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
2019-02-08_07-20-46 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

This is where the project stood still for a while
2019-02-18_01-57-00 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

[DeVilliers]

Some time in 2019 I ended up making the nose myself. With the help from the builder/painter

2019-09-18_10-52-00 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
IMG_4989 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
IMG-20200128-WA0003 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
2020-02-25_11-46-51 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
2020-03-20_03-10-29 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

[DeVilliers]

Then came Covid-19 and we were in lockdown.

Eventually in the last half of 2020, I moved the car to another shop.
It then got to paint!

IMG-20200729-WA0006 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
2020-08-17_04-08-47 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
IMG-20200817-WA0012 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
2020-08-21_10-26-16 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
2020-09-15_11-50-25 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
2020-09-29_12-50-29 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
2020-09-29_12-50-54 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
2020-12-02_10-26-16 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

[DeVilliers]

The car eventually came home at the end of November 2020.

2020-12-02_10-25-24 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

It's home!!!

2020-12-02_10-32-37 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

[DeVilliers]

3.5 years in a few posts

This is more or less when the forum crashed, so now we're up to date. As I said, I was hoping the old post will be back. Maybe it will be some day.
From here on out, it's current news.

So while the forum was in limbo, I continued on.

Not so many pictures, but a lot of work was done
2021-01-13_08-02-20 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

Got the car off the trolley.
Brake and fuel lines went in. Gas tank went in. Front suspension, rear as well.

I then managed to get it down on it's wheels.
2021-01-13_08-01-57 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

So now that it was safely on the ground, I could get inside.
I started putting in sound deadening material I had laying around for the past year now, while waiting on more stock.
IMG-20210105-WA0001 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

Put in some more new parts and steering goodies. The boxes of stuff are getting less and less, as well as the various baggies of bolts and nuts.
20210112_161801 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

I don't have pics, but I also made some rear seatbelt brackets in the trunk. We don't have top mount or package tray mount seatbelts this side of the pond, so I made a plan. It's to expensive to import the Firebird seatbelts. I bolted the bracket and seatbelt retractor to the trunk floor, took is up through a slot in the package tray that I had cut, drilled and filed, over the rear seatback. I'll have to take a pic.

I'm still pondering on the front seatbelts, but this is the mock-up
20210109_132250 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

I then started with the wiring.
2021-02-03_01-55-58 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

Here's one of many crap and dodgy connections, I fixed.
Before
20210202_163302 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

After
20210202_164325 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr




 


 

[DeVilliers]

Prepared for getting the motor in
2021-03-25_03-35-24 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

And the overgrown paperweight is in at last. About 4 years after is was taken out. Obviously with gearbox attached.
2021-03-25_03-36-01 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

[DeVilliers]

No photo's, but the front brakes are re-built, the driveshaft is in, exhaust is on and the parking brake connected.

Oh, and the glass went in.
20210222_102309 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
20210222_102318 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

After all my effort to take it all out in one piece, the installer cracked the windshield when putting it in.
I've sourced a new windshield, but that will come in when everything is done.

[DeVilliers]

The past weekend I fitted the inside fender on the drivers side, got the core support back, radiator in, wiring connected, water, fuel and what ever else to turn the motor for the first time since being built.

20210320_170617 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
20210320_170605 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

So this is where we are today. It wont start. I checked fuel and spark.
Timing and firing order was check and done according to the book. The motor just swings, with no indication that it is about to start.
I'm stuck at the moment.

 

[roadking77]

Glad to see you have re posted. I loved following your build. I know you have had your share of trials and tribulations along the way.  Car is really looking great!  Sorry to hear you are having trouble with getting the motor started, hopefully its something simple you may have overlooked. 

[DeVilliers]

I'm thinking it's a earth/ground problem. I'll try and figure it out over the weekend and post some updates on Monday.

[Gene-73]

This is one the best colors I've ever seen on a second gen, and that hood bird color combo is simply amazing!

[DeVilliers]

It's alive!!!
Motor started the weekend. Only issue now is that it was running extremely hot during break in.

I think it's perhaps too lean, so I'll check that out.

[roadking77]

Good Deal!

[DeVilliers]

Hi all,

I'm still around.
I haven't been on in a while. Set backs, hold-ups, work, life, Covid, loss of interest, negativity, tired and just plain old "had enough".

But alas, I pushed on.
I'm really stating to get to the end of my rope here. I almost want to give the car to someone to finish, but then it won't be my build, with plans that I have made.

Soldiering on.....

Anyway, a couple of updates.

I worked on the dash to get it looking better, before going in. This is what I started with.
20210415_182631 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

20210415_182647 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

The process and final. I used Rustolium Vinyl paint (matt black)

20210417_153816 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
20210417_153656 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

You can still see the old crack a little, but I can't get it out. I can't keep sanding the dash into oblivion, so made peace with it.
In the car
2021-07-31_07-37-02 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

[DeVilliers]

Up next was getting some kind of cabin air flowing.
From the old photo below, you can see that the previous owner removed all the air/heater etc. components.
DSC_1017_zpsjzdzdp2w by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

I had nothing to work with. Vintage Air systems, are out of my budget at the moment. So, a plan had to be made.
I imported the blower motor years ago, so it's sitting and waiting.
I got hold of and old Donaldson air filter housing off a Nissan truck, from the scrappers. Cut out the one inlet to make the motor fit, and then cut it more or less in half. Just enough to make the motor tuck against the firewall.

All that, lead to this
2021-07-31_07-38-20 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

The tabs, are for attaching it to the car.
2021-07-31_07-38-40 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

Blower motor fitted
2021-07-31_07-37-40 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

And final
2021-07-31_07-33-55 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

I test fitted the inner fender to make sure it will clear. It does, so I don't think the outer will be a problem.

So, I had to get it working. As I said, I have nothing, except, the dash control and some wiring.
DSC_1026_zpsalnp5cod by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

The wiring stopped here, and there was no resistor.
2021-03-19_12-05-07 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

I bought a cheap fan control resistor from the local spares shop. I think it's for an Opel, but also has four tabs, as with the original Pontiac fan resistor.
Grabbing the book and electrical diagrams, I got the resistor hooked up and working.
Fan and speed control is now working on Low, Medium and High, so I'm very happy with that.

[DeVilliers]

I also installed my Intellitronix digital gauges.
https://www.intellitronix.com/product-page/firebird-70-81-led-replacement-gauge-panel

The front plastic is still on to protect it.
2021-08-02_10-33-22 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

I am having an issue with it though. It seems like there is a ground issue. The display is a bit "flickery" and whenever I have tach and water sensor connected, the water temp maxes out. I can't seem to solve it and emailing Intellitronix back and forth have also not solved it. I anyone has any solution, please help.

The old front box speaker was a shot, so I made a plan for some new ones. I used the old bracket, and made a quick wooded box holder for two 4 inch speakers.
2021-07-31_07-35-49 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

It fits nicely out of sight, and both left and right speakers are under the dash in the middle.
2021-08-02_10-51-39 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

[DeVilliers]

In the midst of all this, the fuel pump broke. The car just wouldn't start. At first I thought it something electrical. Took me days to figure out the problem, and just made me negative. Easy but expensive fix.
Then the brake master gave up the ghost. Had it re-sleeved and it's working, although I thinks the brakes are still crap.

Also, the idiot that fitted my glass back on the car, cracked the windscreen. Cost me more money. Got a replacement sitting in a box in the garage. I will fit it after fitting the hood.

Then, I was struggling with gear selection. Serviced the shifter and though my gearbox build went wrong somewhere. Eventually broke the old shifter cable. Had a new one made at a local place, and eventually got it in and set.   

I lifted the rear of the ground to see if the box actually works. At first I could not get any movement. Reading a lot of various posts on the Internet told me I need to add more oil than I though.
Got reverse gear going first.
<a href="http://[url=https://www.flickr.com/gp/159296934@N04/U3YRNX][img width=450 height=800]https://live.staticflickr.com/31337/51347167262_ec01d11317_b.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://www.flickr.com/gp/159296934@N04/U3YRNX]20210723_123437[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/159296934@N04/]DeVilliers Buys[/url], on Flickr" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">http://[url=https://www.flickr.com/gp/159296934@N04/U3YRNX][img width=450 height=800]https://live.staticflickr.com/31337/51347167262_ec01d11317_b.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://www.flickr.com/gp/159296934@N04/U3YRNX]20210723_123437[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/159296934@N04/]DeVilliers Buys[/url], on Flickr</a>

20210723_123437 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

[DeVilliers]

This is where I am today.
It's out of the garage for the first time in 8 months after it came home.

20210731_134848 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

[5th T/A]

Good to see you are hanging in there and working on your car. Just keep taking it one step at a time, you will get there.

 I can’t really offer any advice on your gages, but remember there are twin grounds between the engine and the body. A smaller ground cable from the right side of the engine, I think the cylinder head to the right side of the fire wall. There is a heavier one from the right side of the transmission bell housing to the floor, it is almost the same gage as a battery cable. I can try and find some pictures of the grounds in my assembly manual if you like?

[roadking77]

Glad to see you back on the forum and glad to hear you are moving forward. I know things get a bit daunting at times. I think all of us that have restored a car feel the same way. Sometimes its better to step back and let things sit for awhile to regroup ones thoughts and feelings towards the project. Keep at it, you will have a car to be proud of in no time now.

[DeVilliers]

Good to see you are hanging in there and working on your car. Just keep taking it one step at a time, you will get there.

 I can’t really offer any advice on your gages, but remember there are twin grounds between the engine and the body. A smaller ground cable from the right side of the engine, I think the cylinder head to the right side of the fire wall. There is a heavier one from the right side of the transmission bell housing to the floor, it is almost the same gage as a battery cable. I can try and find some pictures of the grounds in my assembly manual if you like?

Thanks. I added two additional ground straps from the motor to the firewall. No difference.
I'll do another from the transmission to the floor, and se if it makes any difference.

Oh, did the video play in the previous post? Don't know if it worked?

[DeVilliers]

The first drive in almost 5 years!!
(Two short video's)

VID-20210731-WA0003 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

VID-20210731-WA0002 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

I obviously didn't drive fast. 1st, and 2nd work.
Drive works, but won't know if it shifts to 3 before I can get the speed up.

There is a backfire from the carb. I'm just not sure how to set it. Start up is fine, but drive gives me a backfire and then stalls.

[Picard]

Glad to see you got it running! Well done.

[MNBob]

Congratulations on getting it running and driving; a milestone!  I think the dash looks great.  Doing the HVAC setup from scratch is challenging.

You made the center speaker setup work with the original bracket.  I just used 1/2" plywood and made a custom bracket.  Either way the two center speakers is an improvement.

Overall the car looks great and you are on the downhill side of this project now.

[DeVilliers]

Hi all,

What I really want to say, I can't say on a public forum......
Let the pictures tell the story.

IMG-20210825-WA0010 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

IMG-20210831-WA0012 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

IMG-20210831-WA0016 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

IMG-20210831-WA0016 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

The last picture says it all.
I had water in no 6, so originally a though the head gasket may have gone, so I opened it up. Had the head pressure tested, nothing wrong. Head gasket showed a perfect seal. So I started digging further. Took of the other side and noticed a little water as well on no7. This told me the block must be the problem.

Long story short, engineering was shoddy work, and the .60 oversize was bored skew on one side. 1,3,5,7 totally destroyed.  This caused the block to crack, so it's a paper weight.
Still searching for a replacement block and waiting for the engineering shop to tell me what they are going to do about this.

I'm livid, to say the least.

Anyway, onwards and forwards. I'm tired of this money pit.
 

[5th T/A]

After all the hard work and money this is the last thing anyone would want to deal with. My heart goes out to you!

In the US small block Chevy parts are cheap and plentiful, from what you have said in the past parts in your part of the world are expensive and shipping is crazy.

I don't have any good advice other than to step back for a little bit before making any major decisions. Your car is beautiful it just needs a new heart.

[MNBob]

My total sympathy.  A lot of people don't realize the work and money that goes into rebuilding one of these; and now to start over? 

I agree with 5th, give it some time and you will figure out what you want.

[roadking77]

I echo Bob and Larry's sentiments. I know you have been through way too much with this restoration. More than enough for a strong willed person, I can only imagine how much worse with you being so far from readily available parts. Sometimes it better to take a step back and punt, regroup to get your footings back in place and start work again.  I really hope that the engine shop does allright by you.

[aussieta]

your skill and quality of work makes many professionals look like amateurs
sorry to see your block
as always when building a car. 2 steps forward and 1 step back
you will get your mojo back soon enough
and then the dream comes to life

[DeVilliers]

And we're back

Ok, not yet......

Ended up getting a "new" second hand motor. Too much money later, it's back in the car and purring happily.
Drive train is hooked up again, but I have not taken a drive yet.

I hope to get the car fully done by mid March, but we'll have to see how it goes. 

[5th T/A]

It is great to see you back and you have a running engine. Looking forward to hearing what you had to go through to get one and maybe some pictures.

[MNBob]

Same comment as 5th above, whenever you get the time.

[DeVilliers]

Thanks

Took some time to find a motor that was not already over sized. Eventually found the same motor that it had in, a 350 chevy. There's not many decent ones around. Those that ore around some people want stupid money for.

Although the motor I got ran at some point, I didn't want to start is up and just put it in. Took it to a friend and we rebuilt it. New pistons and bearings went in.

Looks the same as the old one
2022-01-18_01-31-20 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

Didn't take any pics. Video of startup outside the car.
VID-20211215-WA0008 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

After the startup, I did change the distributor and plug wires to a HEI.

[firebirdforrest]

 Great looking car and nice project! Would love to know more about how made the mold and stuff for the nose? After fixing some aftermarket fiberglass wheel spoilers and fiberglass rear bumper cover for the last couple months I am thinking I would have been better of making my own parts Glad you got you motor problems fixed.

Forrest

[rkellerjr]

Wow!!! Nice work, that is going to be an awesome car when done.

[MNBob]

Engine looks real nice in red and aluminum.  It is hard to beat a 350 Chevy.  I had one in my Suburban, engine still ran great even though the body was completely gone.

[DeVilliers]

Great looking car and nice project! Would love to know more about how made the mold and stuff for the nose? After fixing some aftermarket fiberglass wheel spoilers and fiberglass rear bumper cover for the last couple months I am thinking I would have been better of making my own parts Glad you got you motor problems fixed.

Forrest

Apologies for the late reply.

Post 4 above, tells a little bit of the story. I myself, was messed around for the better part of a year with people promising they can make the nose and then not delivering.

The mould was made in 2 parts. Top and bottom and then stitched back together.
The nose was fitted, and covered in release agent. Fibre glass was then laid over. The bendy bits were filled in with an expanding foam to keep it from collapsing. The this yet, rigid fibreglass was pulled of and laid in a cardboard outer shell. It was then filled with expanding foam between the mould and cardboard. This was done to keep the shape rigid then making the bumper.
Same was repeated for the bottom half.

Then it was just laying your fibreglass and resin.
The two halves were trimmed and fitted, and then joined together with more fibreglass.

Very very amateur style